Ava's Story

Fifteen years of joy, healing, and adventure — and a love that lives on.

A tiny dog with a giant heart

Ava joined our family as a puppy in 2011. She was a gift from dear friends to our youngest daughter Melanie, who was 16 years old at the time and enduring some significant health challenges. Ava gave Melanie joy when little else could.

Both Melanie and Ava grew up, and by God's grace, Melanie's health issues subsided. Ava continued bringing joy to the entire family for 15 years, and made several visits to Mackinac Island and other places during her lifetime.

Ava passed away on April 20, 2026, with peace, dignity, and love, while Melanie was holding Ava in her arms — just as she did when Ava was a tiny pup.

Ava lives on in our hearts, and thanks to readers like you, she lives on in this book.

2011

A tiny puppy named Ava arrives as a gift, bringing hope and joy to a family going through a difficult time.

2011 – 2026

Ava explores Michigan — Mackinac Island, Muskegon State Park, Gun Lake, and beyond — always curious, always brave.

April 2026

Ava passes peacefully at home, held in the arms of the daughter she first came to heal. Her adventures become a book.

June 2026

Ava's Mackinac Adventure is published — Book One of the Adventures With Ava series.

Melanie holding baby Ava in 2011 Ava as a tiny puppy Melanie and Ava in 2013 Melanie and Ava in 2026 Ava in 2025, looking toward the sky

A note from the author

David Brown with Ava

My name is David. I am a grandfather, husband, father, professor, entrepreneur, and devoted dog-lover. I wrote this book to memorialize Ava, the Yorkshire Terrier who brought joy and healing to our family for 15 years, and to honor one of my family's most favorite places in the world: Mackinac Island.

Ava had a personality far larger than her tiny frame — curious, brave, and absolutely certain of her own cuteness. It is my hope and intention that this book captures and communicates Ava's personality for you and your family to enjoy as much as we did.

One more thing, for the uninitiated not from around these parts, Ava wants you to know that "Mackinac" is pronounced "MACK-in-awe."

A charitable mission

The friends of our family who gifted Ava into our lives were a blessing beyond words. Following their example of generosity, a portion of this book's proceeds are being donated to the Child and Family Life team at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and to animal welfare organizations.

Ava was given to bring joy to our sick child, and so we want this book about Ava to help other sick children and the animals who help them heal.

Buy a copy and give back
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
— Psalm 147:3
"A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal."
— Proverbs 12:10